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Peace be with you.

Happy Monday!

This episode goes out to everyone who struggles with imposter syndrome, and if you’ve ever stepped out of your comfort zone, you’ve probably felt it.

Maybe you’re performing in front of people for the first time… and you’re worried they won’t appreciate your style.

Maybe you’re starting a new job that you’re qualified for, but barely… and you’re afraid your new boss will realize you aren’t all they’d hoped for.

Maybe you’ve been asked to talk to a group about a subject you’re knowledgeable about, but you wouldn’t use the term expert… but they use that term when they introduce you.

Maybe you’ve won recognition, but your humility tells you to downplay it and say you just got lucky… despite all the hard work you put in because… how could you really be that good?

Imposter syndrome is real and it can mess with your mind big time.

Here’s how to combat it: Accept that you are human, and you are not perfect. Accept that being nervous about a situation like the ones

I just described is normal, and in fact, if you weren’t nervous about it, that would mean you weren’t challenging yourself.

Challenge leads to growth.

Remember that the people around you, and the ones you’re trying to impress are just as human as you are. There is not a single perfect soul walking this earth, and that is okay because that is what it means to be human.

Once you’ve accepted those truths, your next step is to show up and do the best you can. It’s that simple.

They would not have asked you to get on that stage, take that job, or give that talk if they didn’t see your potential. And you wouldn’t have accepted the invitation if you didn’t see it, too.

So, just do your best, and remember the first time is always the hardest.

If they expect perfection, they’re suffering from unreasonable expectations, and that is not your fault. That’s on them.

Go forth and do your best!

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